Dear Tom,
I own a 2008 Honda Odyssey and it is pulling hard to the right. I took it to the local tire shop for a front-end alignment. The technician said he brought the toe in a little, but the real problem was the tires. He says they have deep cracks on the shoulders and should be replaced. Looking at the tires, I see cracks within the tread on the left front tire, but not so much on the right front tire. How do I know the tires are really the problem?
Sue from North Java, N.Y.
Sue,
Tires can cause a pull, and the best way to determine if the tires are at fault is to swap the tires left to right and see if the pull straightens out or goes to the other side. Cracks in a tire are unsafe (usually due to a dry rot condition). The natural oils dry out of the rubber and they crack, usually in the tread area or on the sidewalls close to the bead area. Check with the tire manufacturer; you may be able to get a monetary adjustment toward replacement tires.
Tom
Tom Torbjornsen is an automotive expert of 37 years. An automotive journalist in good standing with the IMPA (International Motor Press Association) and MPG (Motor Press Guild), Torbjornsen is the Repair and Maintenance Editor for AOL Autos, At Home Portals and many other websites. Hear his radio show. America’s Car Show, on the SSI Radio Network Saturdays at 8 a.m. Listen to the show on the live stream during regular show times at www.americascarshow.com. Send your car questions to his website at www.americascarshow.com. You can also find Tom’s book, “How To Make Your Car Last Forever,” in local Barnes & Nobel booksellers, or order online at Amazon.com.
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